The point is, watts don't really mean anything (they never have, actually). And yes, it is meaningful - compare the PAR values at play here, which is all that really count anyway. Examine the system with 4x96w power compact bulbs - initially, it has less PAR than the 13 watt LED set up, but penetrates far deeper and the PAR rating at the bottom of the tank is higher than that of the LED. Corals don't care if the source is a 1000w Ushio bulb, or a 10w LED bulb - what counts is the PAR reaching them.
When the time comes, a system consisting of hundreds of watts of LEDs will certainly be impressive. All Im saying is that an LED system lacks the punch of other lighting systems, even if the initial PAR readings are higher, at least for now.
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